On Wednesday afternoon, the first team from the Air Race Classic (women's air race) landed at La Junta Municipal Airport. The team was #30, Dianna Stanger, pilot and Joyce Wilson, co-pilot. They were in a Cirrus, a composite aircraft which is the only airplane in the race equipped with a parachute which will carry the whole plane down in case of an emergency.

The race got off to a rough start. It was to have started in Pasco, Wash., but the start had to be transferred to Mountain Home, Idaho, because of the weather. The weather has continued to be a problem as the women completed the various legs of the race. The race is handicapped for the speed of the plane. The Cirrus, at 175, is the second fastest plane in the race. "Any time we can beat the handicap, it's a good day," said Stanger. The wind was gusting to 30 as they landed at La Junta, and there was dust at the end of the runway.

The air race started in 1929; the organization keeps the race as much like the original as possible. No turbos or turbine jets are allowed. The engine must be normally aspirated. The women are supposed to fly in daylight hours only and not in weather.

The women flew from Spearfish, S.D., today. Tomorrow they will get an early start, hoping to avoid the thunderstorms. They will be ending the race in Fayetteville, Ark., but they must fly through Woodward, Okla.

Stanger told me she is from Victoria, Texas, and Wilson said she is from Arkansas (forget the city), but the bios in the program give their homes now as Port Lavaca, Texas, for Stanger and Bogata, Texas, for Wilson.

Stanger has been flying for 20 years. She is returning for her third Air Race Classic. She is an instrument-rated commercial airplane and helicopter pilot with single- and multi-engine land, tailwheel, aerobatics and formation flying credentials, a jet type rating and 4,100 hours logged. She is a member of the Houston chapters of the 99s (parent organization of the race) and Women in Aviation International. When asked why she joined ARC, she replied simply, "To win." She won the race last year and wants to repeat.

Wilson is flying the ARC for the third time, too. She is an instrument-rated private pilot with a tailwheel endorsement and 614 hours. She is a member of the Ambassador chapter of the 99s. Wilson said, "I raced the last two years to meet fellow pilots and to learn about racing. I'm racing again because it's addictive! The fellowship, fun and friendships are priceless. It's a great way to learn more about my airplane as well." She also wants to win.

These two women are spending the night in La Junta. One more team may land during daylight hours on Wednesday. The majority of the teams will be coming through on Thursday.